'Vajpayee will be remembered for his contribution in US-India relations'

New Delhi [India], Aug. 16 (ANI): The United States Embassy on Thursday expressed condolence over the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said that he will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering U.S-India relations.

A statement issued by the embassy read, "The United States grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering U.S.-India relations."

"During his tenure, Prime Minister Vajpayee advocated for a robust partnership with the United States, referring to us as "natural allies." The U.S. Mission in India extends our deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Vajpayee and the citizens of India," the statement added.

The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran breathed his last at 5:05 pm on Thursday, here at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) following a prolonged illness.

Vajpayee, who led the National Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004, was the first-ever member of the Bharatiya Janata Party to become India's Prime Minister. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI